Roof Rack

[prdobson]

I know it is not recomended and would greatly effect mpg, but I have a need to take my 35lb, 20 foot kayak to new launch sites within 3 miles of home once ever 2 weeks or so. I would love to be able to do this without damaging the roof. My rack from my previous car requires a different rain gutter than the FFH has. I have thought of putting a foam mat on top and strapping the kayak on with lines through the windows and to the front and back of the car.

 

Has anyone had experience loading on top of the FFH? Is there a roof rack that would work?

[mort]

Hi prdobson,

You could try Ford

 

-mort

[prdobson]

On line I found that Thule does make a roof rack system for the FFH and I ordered the #480 Tranverse foot pack and the fit kit #1529 to fit my old Thule cross bars...I will post the results when the I load my kayak on the new rack and the decrease in MPG. Peter

[prdobson]

Yesterday I loaded my 20 ft kayak on the Thule roof rack and drove 3 miles at 35mph to a launch at a sit near home. Trip was 41 mpg going and 49 mpg returning. No great difference with or without the roof load

[paulbuck]

I know it is not recomended and would greatly effect mpg, but I have a need to take my 35lb, 20 foot kayak to new launch sites within 3 miles of home once ever 2 weeks or so. I would love to be able to do this without damaging the roof. My rack from my previous car requires a different rain gutter than the FFH has. I have thought of putting a foam mat on top and strapping the kayak on with lines through the windows and to the front and back of the car.

 

Has anyone had experience loading on top of the FFH? Is there a roof rack that would work?

 

I purchased a 'SportsRack' from Dicks Sporting Goods, hard foam pads with crossbars that strap inside the car. Only $99, took the car on the expressway at 70mph with no problems. Lots cheaper than Thule and goes on and comes off very fast.

Don't know about the effect on gas mileage, but for the relatively few times I use it, I don't really care.